Leeds United have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Swiss international Noah Okafor from AC Milan for a reported fee of £18 million (€21m including add-ons) on August 21, 2025. The 25-year-old forward, who has signed a four-year contract subject to a work permit and international clearance, becomes Leeds’ ninth summer signing as they prepare for their return to the Premier League after winning the Championship title last season.Okafor, versatile enough to play across the front line as a left winger, right winger, or central striker, brings a wealth of experience to Elland Road. Having started his career at FC Basel, where he was named the Swiss Super League Young Player of the Year, Okafor later excelled at Red Bull Salzburg, scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists in 110 appearances while winning four consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles. His €15.5m move to AC Milan in 2023 saw him score seven goals in 54 appearances, though he often played a substitute role, with six of those goals coming in the final 15 minutes of matches, earning him the nickname "last-minute hero" at Milan.The Swiss star, who has 24 caps for his country and played at the 2022 World Cup, also spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Napoli, contributing to their Serie A title win despite limited minutes. His impressive pre-season form, including two goals against Liverpool in a friendly, caught Leeds’ attention, and manager Daniel Farke sees him as a key addition to bolster the attack alongside recent signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin.Speaking to LUTV, Okafor expressed his excitement: “My favorite position is the left wing. I can play as a striker or as one of two strikers, but the left is where I can put the most quality on the pitch. As a kid, I dreamed of playing in the Premier League. It’s the best league in the world, so intense. This is like a dream come true.” His arrival is expected to end Leeds’ pursuit of Tottenham’s Manor Solomon, who starred for Farke’s side on loan last season.Leeds’ spending this summer has now reached approximately £92m, contributing to a record-breaking £2.37bn transfer window for Premier League clubs. Farke, still keen to strengthen the right-back position, may now shift focus to targets like Leicester’s James Justin. Okafor’s pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring instinct are expected to add flair to Leeds’ attack as they aim to make an impact in their first Premier League season since 2022-23.
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